Few show up for Conemaugh's drug awareness message

August 26, 2003

JENNIFER THOMASDaily American Staff Writer

It was a message intended to save lives, but only a dozen people took time to hear it Tuesday night.

And as the use of drugs in Somerset County continues to rise, Conemaugh Township School District tackled the issue head-on offering a forum for parents to listen, ask questions and share concerns. But a panel of experts found themselves facing a small audience and hoping they would spread the important message.

"I'm disheartened," said Conemaugh Township High School Principal Dave Koba. "We didn't have the numbers but we have to continue the fight against drugs."

He fears a similar program last year may have caused some complacency in people.

"Never in my wildest dreams did I ever think heroin would be in Somerset County… but it's here and it's a problem."

She said the community needs to remain involved and aware of what's going on and not fall into the belief that drug use is just a right of passage.

"There are no guards our children won't experiment with drugs. However if we take an active role, we can certainly reduce the risks."

Bowman said parents remain the most important role models, the ones that make a big difference. She said parents need to be involved in their kids lives. Know their friends and parents, while at the same time teach them to resist peer pressure and the importance of responsibility.

"Working together as a community we can really make a difference."

Robert King, director for the Somerset County County Authority for drug and Alcohol echoed her cries for involvement suggesting parents open the lines of communication early.

"As parents you have to be very saavy," he said. "Drugs are in this school. They're in every school in Somerset County.

Conemaugh Township Detective Robert Fatula Jr. and Somerset County Drug Task Force Detective Jason Hunter spoke of the dangers of an often overlooked drug problem, huffing. Fatula said it starts early with 8 to 12-year-olds getting high this way.

"It's the cheapest way to get high," he said noting many common household items can be used. "It's an addiction and it's very addictive.

"A lot of younger kids are scared of heroin, oxycontin and morphine, but they're not scared of huffing."

He asked parents to look for signs such as bloodshot eyes, irritation, disorientation and no longer participating in former activities which are indicative of a bigger problem.

"I'm not telling you to think bad about your children, but you have to be aware."

Hunter said it is an addiction that is difficult to fight.

"There's nothing illegal here. There's nothing we can do," he said. "There's no law against huffing. We can't charge them with a crime."

Hunter said the biggest thing people can continue to do is be aware.

"It's here. It's going to be here," he said. "You've got to be active in your child's life."

The fight against drugs in this community will continue.

"We feel we're making progress," Koba said."We're going to be on the offensive."

And that means keeping parents such as Pam and Jim Reckner informed.

"I came out to be prepared on things that are out there,"said Pam said.

She said knowing the signs and being better informed was her goal.

"There were so many things we had no idea what they could do," adds Jim.

They attended the program with stepson Brant Mollers, 12, who enters the high school today as a seventh grader.

"We weren't sure if it was a good idea once we got here," said Pam, noting she was at first concerned it may offer more ideas instead of showing the dangers.

But Jim feels it delivered the right message.

"I think it might have scared him in the right way."

Ask Brant what he thought and it seems have hit the right note.

"I was kind of scared that the smallest amount of heroin could stop your heart."

And for Jim it shows the meeting was really important. But for Dave Koba it says everything.

"If we make a difference in one child's like then it was worth this evening."